Sh4.3 million boost for Kenya’s women in construction industry
Women Kenya earning a living in the construction are set for a major boost in skills development after real estate developer, Gateway Real Estate Africa, donated Kes 4,328,000 ($40, 000) to Buildher Kenya.
The contribution will support the enrollment of women to undergo training and write an industry test.
The organisation will use the donation to train women aged between 17 to 40 years from disadvantaged neighborhoods located in the east of Nairobi.
Buildher Kenya is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 to equip disadvantaged women in Kenya with accredited construction skills.
Buildher Kenya co-founder and CEO, Tatu Gatere noted: “Buildher develops artisans at a higher skill level in a shorter period of time. Our trainees surpass entry level industry standards that contribute to higher quality, productivity and increased efficiencies. In addition, they learn valuable life skills including communication, fitness, and mental health to ensure work readiness.
“Collaboration is central to the success of our model. As a non-profit social enterprise with a market based approach to increasing women’s income, building and construction companies are critical stakeholders. Our employer partners are pioneers who recognize the multiple socio-economic benefits of an inclusive workforce.
The training program lasts for 12 months with new courses starting every year to allow for a systematic advancement through the technical skills curriculum including carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating.
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Each cohort enrollment accommodates 30 women and approximately four months are spent learning trade skills before being placed at pre-approved employers for two to eight months of training in a live working environment.
GREA co-founder and CEO, Greg Pearson said: “We are very proud to be a funder to Buildher and I hope this is the start of a long relationship. The empowerment of women in the construction sector is something we feel very strongly about, as reflected by the large number of females in our senior management team.
“The excellent work done by Buildher in equipping women with the right professional and life skills not only play a huge role in breaking down gender barriers but supports the long-term sustainability of our industry.”
Buildher’s trainers comprise professionals with educational and industry experience. An impact team collects data and a dedicated placement team ensures candidates are successfully placed with employer partners.
Research has shown that after four months of training, cohorts report an increase in income of 520 per cent on average. Employers report a 67 per cent increase in productivity and 60 per cent have changed their policies to incorporate gender, sexual harassment, and dignified pay.
“GREA’s ability to successfully deploy US$400 million across five countries since inception in 2018 speaks to the immense depth and experience of our team across a wide range of sectors. I am very proud to say that most of these team members are women leading managerial, operational and technical teams, including the Chief Operating Officer, development managers, quantity surveyors and construction managers,” Pearson noted.
In November 2020, GREA announced its first development in Kenya with the construction of Rosslyn Grove, a 90-unit diplomatic apartment and town home community development in conjunction with Texas-based Verdant Ventures.
